Ombudsperson urges international community to support Azerbaijan's demining efforts

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, has called on the international community to support Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to clear landmines, emphasizing the continued threat to civilian lives posed by what she referred to as Armenia’s "mine terrorism."

According to Report, Aliyeva made the statement following recent mine explosions in the Jabrayil and Aghdam distructs, which seriously injured four Azerbaijani civilians, including children. These incidents underscore the persistent mine threat in the region and the ongoing danger it poses to innocent lives.

Aliyeva highlighted that since November 2020, following the end of the Second Karabakh War, a total of 392 people have been killed or injured due to landmines and unexploded ordnance planted by Armenian forces.

"This is a serious problem that affects individuals not only physically but also psychologically and socially. The mines planted in our territories during the occupation are a significant obstacle to the establishment of lasting peace in the region. International cooperation and assistance are crucial to eliminating this threat," she stated.

She further stressed that the deliberate placement of mines by Armenia constitutes a grave violation of human rights and hinders efforts to restore peace and security in the region.

"I urge the international community to recognize the urgency of demining activities, to support Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts, and to hold Armenia accountable for the deliberate and widespread use of landmines," Aliyeva said.